title: Peroneal flap in hypopharyngeal reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypopharyngeal reconstruction is a complex and challenging task because the goal of the reconstruction is not only defect filling but also restoring functions such as swallowing and speech. In this article, we present a novel approach of using peroneal flaps in hypopharyngeal reconstructions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1997 and 2011, 14 peroneal flaps were used to reconstruct the hypopharynx of 13 patients. We retrospectively reviewed all the medical records from those surgeries, searching for either short-term postoperative complications or long-term follow-up morbidity, and researched relevant articles for comparisons with other types of flaps.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 14 peroneal flaps, five were applied in tubed form for a circumferential defect. The remaining nine peroneal flaps were applied in the form of a patch for a noncircumferential defect. None of the 14 flaps underwent flap loss. The rates of stenosis and fistula formation were 7.1 and 14.3 %, respectively. The average postoperative hospital stay was 20.2 days. Of 13 patients, nine were able to resume at least a soft diet after the reconstruction. Only one patient remained on nasogastric feeding through the 6-month follow-up period. None of the patients experienced significant complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A peroneal flap reconstruction has comparable postoperative complications and donor site morbidity and should be considered as a viable option for hypopharyngeal reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ying-Sheng
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Wen-Chung
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Lee-Wei
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Kuo-Chung
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps